While stadium tours dominate headlines, some of the most exciting moments in UK music this year are happening in small rooms, grassroots venues and debut headline tours. 2026 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year for a new wave of emerging and rising UK artists who are building real momentum on the road, the kind of acts you will want to say you saw before they moved up a gear.

From indie bands packing out intimate venues to rising rappers refining their live presence on the small stage, here are the UK artists to watch and catch live in 2026.

Aziya

Genre: Indie Rock

London-based Aziya is one of the most talked-about emerging names in UK indie rock right now and represents a new generation of indie artists taking full creative control. Blending psychedelic guitar lines with sharp, confident songwriting, her live shows feel raw, loud and intensely personal. If you are into guitar-driven music with attitude, she is a rising artist worth seeing up close.

In 2026, the artist will be focusing on small headline gigs and select support slots across a series of intimate venues where her energy really lands.

Pastel

Genre: Shoegaze / Indie

Manchester-based band Pastel continue to rise through the UK indie scene, turning buzz into sold-out grassroots shows. Their sound pulls from shoegaze, Britpop and alternative rock, pairing swirling guitars with sharp hooks that translate brilliantly live. Their shows strike a balance between dreamy atmospheres and full-throttle indie energy, ideal for fans of modern guitar music.

In 2026, Pastel will be sticking to club-level tours and independent venues, making this the perfect moment to catch them before festival main stages come calling.

Florence Road

Genre: Indie / Pop

Dublin-born but now firmly embedded in the UK live circuit, Florence Road are quickly becoming one of the most exciting emerging indie pop bands to watch. Blending jangly guitars, sharp melodies and emotionally open songwriting, their sound feels both nostalgic and current, landing somewhere between indie pop and alternative rock. Their live sets are warm and energetic, making them the kind of band that converts casual listeners into fans by the end of a show. If you are tracking rising indie acts with genuine crossover potential, Florence Road are well worth catching now.

In 2026, they will be building momentum through a run of small headline shows and support slots at grassroots venues.

Skye Newman

Genre: R&B / Soul

South London singer-songwriter Skye Newman is one of the most exciting emerging voices in UK R&B and soul. Known for her emotionally honest lyrics and understated vocal delivery, she is building her audience through intimate headline dates and support tours rather than rushing into bigger rooms. As UK R&B continues to grow in confidence and visibility, Skye Newman is a rising artist set to be part of its next chapter.

Following her debut project ‘SE9 Part 1’, she heads out on The Woman I Am Tour in spring 2026 for her biggest string of UK headline dates yet.

ENNY

Genre: Rap

South London rapper ENNY continues to establish herself as one of the most compelling emerging voices in UK rap. Known for her thoughtful lyricism and jazz-influenced production, her music feels both intimate and quietly powerful. As UK rap continues to diversify beyond traditional boundaries, ENNY represents a rising artist proving that subtle substance and strong songwriting can be just as impactful as volume and hype.

ENNY’s 2026 live plans focus on smaller headline dates and carefully selected support shows, keeping her performances rooted in connection and storytelling.

Swim School

Genre: Indie Rock

Scottish indie band Swim School continue to gain traction through steady touring and strong word of mouth. Rather than chasing hype, Swim School are doing things the long way, refining their live show, growing their fanbase city by city and steadily rising through the indie ranks with their signature melodic sound.

In 2026, Swim School will continue their steady rise with UK shows at mid-size venues, giving fans a chance to catch them in their biggest headline run to date.

Why Independent Music Venues Matter

What makes 2026 special is not just the artists, it is how they are touring. More emerging and rising acts are choosing short runs, independent venues and community-led spaces, creating a closer connection with audiences. These shows are affordable, accessible and often far more memorable than bigger productions.

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Image Credit: PRESS